In January, when Chris Bosh was dealing with ankle issues, there was a supposed epiphany.

LeBron would go into the post. He would establish a post-up game that would continue to thrive even after Bosh’s return.

While the early efforts were uneven, there at least were efforts. Because for all the things Bosh can be, one is not a true, back-to-the-basket presence.

Then Bosh returned, and, well, after all the rhetoric, LeBron returned to his face-up, start-from-the-top approach.

LeBron James at the rim still makes the most sense for the Heat. (Reuters)

Soon all the talk about post-up LeBron was forgotten.

Now comes the latest vow, one about a willingness to play off the ball with the arrival of Mike Bibby, the truest thing the Heat have had at point guard since Jason Williams handled the responsibilities during the championship run.

Once again, LeBron is saying all the right things, and, frankly, making a lot of sense.

With a point guard who has a playmaking perspective, it makes more sense to move without the ball, knowing that the smallest amount of airspace can lead to a clean feed for a clean look.

It sounds impressive, and it could be put into practice as soon as Thursday’s game against the Magic.

But then what?

Can such an approach endure?

Or is LeBron who he is, a magnet to the ball in late-game situations?

If he can wean himself off the ball, then there might even be a return to the post.

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IRA WINDERMAN is embarking on his 24th season covering the Miami Heat for the Sun-Sentinel, witnessing more than 1,900 of the team's games (thus the bags under the eyes and hair loss not truly depicted by the accompanying photo). With the help of antacids (during the lean years) and a sense of humor (during the Riley dictatorship), he has been able to remain a courtside fixture at AmericanAirlines Arena, a veteran 12 years older than coach Erik Spoelstra. Only former trainer Ron Culp had attended more Heat games, but, then again, Winderman has yet to tape his first ankle.